The Complete Guide to Coastal-style Interior Decorating

Natural, textural, breezy and lived-in, this style is universally appealing as it encourages relaxation.
It is all about feeling carefree, comfortable and calm in every room of your home.
Coastal homes offer a natural charm due to the inclusion of timeworn and rustic pieces.
Visual interest and character is achieved via the natural effects of the elements of sun, wind and rain. You will find this in the layers of chalky whites and calming neutrals, complimented by raw woods, natural found objects, vintage rattan, and aged cane pieces.

COASTAL STYLE

COLOUR PALETTE

The colour palette is characterised by layers of white and muted neutrals.

Soft celadon greens, blues, tans and cool greys are seen in the soft furnishings, rugs and decor for a pop of colour.

These are complimented by painted and stripped back black accents alongside natural and bleached timbers, rattan and cane.

COASTAL STYLE

ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES

Architecturally, coastal homes are open-plan spaces and place emphasis on circulating natural light throughout the home.

Shutters, screens, ceiling fans, exposed beams, and tongue and groove panelled painted walls create a relaxed, beachy feel.

Photo Source: Leanne Ford

COASTAL STYLE

FLOORING

Flooring options are usually natural light timbers, painted and lime-wash floorboards, concrete or tiled flooring.

These are softened by floor mats of seagrass, sisal, jute and cotton dhurries.

Photo source: Leanne Ford

SHOP RUGS

COASTAL STYLE

AMBIENT LIGHTING

Coastal lighting options favour breezy ceiling pendants crafted from cane, shell, clay, sisal, jute, bamboo and glass.

Sheer fabric pendants are also seen in living and bedroom spaces.

COASTAL STYLE

TASK LIGHTING

Table lamp bases are usually organically shaped with curvaceous bases of rattan, concrete, mouth-blown glass or ceramics.

These can feature both chalky or glossy finishes with natural linen or vintage fabric floral or striped pattern shades.

SHOP TABLE LAMPS

COASTAL STYLE

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Coastal style interiors celebrate natural light so they use very sheer cotton or linen curtains, and painted or lime shutters for privacy and to soften any glare.

COASTAL STYLE

FURNITURE

This style is about feeling carefree, comfortable, and easy going.

Furniture choices are predominantly crafted from white washed, bleached or stripped timbers and driftwood. Especially in sideboards, tables and footstools.

These are popular choices as the day to day wear and tear adds to the patina over time.

Slipcovered chairs, sofas, ottomans and oversize scatter cushions frame the open plan living areas, along with day beds and occasional chairs made from rattan, cane, or teak.

Slipcovers are made from soft washable cottons, linens and calicos, which get softer and more relaxed over time.

COASTAL STYLE

FURNITURE

Dining tables of bleached pine, recycled hardwood and teak have been allowed to weather naturally, and are stripped of any lacquer developing a character that shows the history of shared meals and conversations. 

Cuts, stains and wear are part of the charm.

Vintage furniture pieces may include Indian teak day beds, grey wash rattan occasional chairs and timber hanging porch chairs adorned with faded coastal textiles.

Lastly, consider an antique recycled carved timber console, stump stools, or sideboards with intricate style carvings for a bohemian feel.

COASTAL STYLE

TEXTURAL FINISHES

Visual interest is incorporated by layering muted neutrals, natural fibres and glossy finishes.

The abundant use of organic, found and raw materials of natural wood, rattan, cane, seagrass, jute, sisal, and bamboo in the form of decor, art and homewares provides contrast to the crisp, white washed walls and floors.

COASTAL STYLE

SOFT FURNISHINGS

Cushions and throws are light-weight, cooling and breathable, made from quality natural stonewashed linens, calicos and washed cottons.

Prints include ticking stripe, tribal patterns, large scale abstracts, and geometrics, as well as raised textured embroidery and waffle designs.

SHOP CUSHIONS

COASTAL STYLE

ARTWORK & MIRRORS

Collections of vintage family photos, framed vintage watercolour & coastal landscapes, nautical life, framed dried sea fans, and woven baskets adds texture, colour and lustre to the more muted backdrop of the relaxed coastal home.

Mirrors feature frames of shell art, woven rope, rattan, cane, natural timber and intricate style carvings. These can be round, curved, arched or tall and rectangular.

COASTAL STYLE

ACCESSORIES

Decorative objects are often found and displayed, fossicked from the surrounding environment and include raw materials of driftwood, coral, shells and forage.

For lustre, incorporate glazed ceramic dishes and vessels, foggy glass vases and collections of white, pastel blue or celadon green glazed ceramics in mix matched patterns that are added to over the years.

SHOP LUSTRE

COASTAL STYLE

ACCESSORIES

Add visual interest with imperfectly shaped ceramic wonki ware, decorative rattan and vintage wooden trays, handwoven baskets, and pretty tea light votives and incense burners for ambience.

Bookshelves and sideboards are filled with books and boardgames along with picture frames showcasing your favourite memories.

Lastly, weathered straw hats from long days at the beach can become favourites on the coat rack by the door no matter how misshapen or threadbare.

COASTAL STYLE

LIVING ENERGY

Lush, indoor greenery in the form of fiddle leaf figs, palm, monstera plants and succulents adds a fresh and vibrant contrast to the coastal colour palette.

Soften the space with pale dried foliage of palms grasses, collected driftwood branches, spinifex and other found foraged natural elements.

WATCH THE COASTAL STYLE VIDEO

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SET THE MOOD

With our collection of songs to audibly accompany the Coastal Style.

TRANSFORM YOUR EXISTING LOOK

There are so many ways to re-purpose your furniture and decor & update your existing look with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®

See how customers are transforming their Furniture, Interiors and Decor to create a Coastal Style Look with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint®.

Want to learn more? Stay up-to-date with our Chalk Painting Classes.

COASTAL DESIGNER INSPIRATION

CARRIER & COMPANY

Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller are a husband-and-wife interior design duo and founders of Carrier & Co.

Their style is characterised by a mix of classic and contemporary design that is both relaxed and elegant. Their use of hand-blocked soft furnishings and hues of blue and white reflects an overall Coastal feel. 

Instagram: @carrierandco

Photo: ©2020 Carrier and Company

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PAMELA MAKIN

Pamela Makin is a Sydney based designer and owner of Les Interieurs in Newport. 

Natural, textural and raw materials in the form of decor, art and sculptural features provide interest and contrast soft white-washed backdrops. 

The colour palette of whites, neutrals and accents of black is complimented by lush fresh indoor greenery. 

Instagram: @lesinterieursnewport

Photo: Pamela Makin 

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SUMICH CHAPLIN

Sumich Chaplin is an Architecture firm based in NZ, with an international presence. 

They utilise ageless techniques such stripped back furnishings and white washed interiors. 

Structural elements such as natural timber panelling and exposed beams created a relaxed coastal feel.

Instagram: @sumichchaplinarchitects

Photo: © Sumich Chaplin Architects 2016

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EXPLORE YOUR SUBTYPES

Expand your Style Personality with Complementary Styles adjacent to Coastal Style.